🔨 Tools

• adjustable wrench ah-JUS-tah-bul RENCH ▶ EN
  perico peh-REE-koh ▶ ES

  Wrench with a movable jaw that adjusts to fit different nut sizes.

  Snug up that supply line with the adjustable wrench. — Aprieta esa línea de agua con el perico.

  Also: llave ajustable (general) · llave inglesa (PR)

• air compressor AIR kom-PRES-or ▶ EN
  compresor kohm-preh-SOR ▶ ES

  Machine that stores pressurized air to run nail guns and other air tools.

  Drain the air compressor tank at the end of the day. — Purga el tanque del compresor al final del día.

• air hose AIR hohs ▶ EN
  manguera de aire mahn-GEH-rah deh AY-reh ▶ ES

  Hose that carries compressed air from the compressor to the tool.

  Roll up the air hose so nobody trips on it. — Enrolla la manguera de aire para que nadie se tropiece.

• Allen wrench AL-en rench ▶ EN
  llave allen YAH-veh AH-len ▶ ES

  L-shaped hex key that fits screws with a six-sided recessed head.

  The blade bolt on that grinder takes an Allen wrench. — El tornillo del disco de ese esmeril lleva llave allen.

• angle grinder AN-gul GRAIN-der ▶ EN
  esmeril es-meh-REEL ▶ ES

  Handheld power tool with a spinning disc for cutting and grinding metal or concrete.

  Cut that rebar flush with the angle grinder. — Corta esa varilla al ras con el esmeril.

  Also: moladora (general) · pulidora (GT)

• bar clamp BAR klamp ▶ EN
  sargento sar-HEN-toh ▶ ES

  Long clamp on a steel bar for gluing up wide pieces or holding forms.

  Pull the cabinet faces together with a bar clamp. — Junta los frentes del gabinete con un sargento.

• belt sander BELT SAN-der ▶ EN
  lijadora de banda lee-hah-DOH-rah deh BAHN-dah ▶ ES

  Aggressive sander that runs a loop of sandpaper for removing a lot of material fast.

  Take the door edge down with the belt sander so it clears the carpet. — Rebaja el canto de la puerta con la lijadora de banda para que libre la alfombra.

• bolt cutters BOHLT kut-ers ▶ EN
  cortapernos kor-tah-PEHR-nohs ▶ ES

  Long-handled cutter that shears through bolts, chain, and rebar ties.

  Cut that old padlock off the gate with the bolt cutters. — Corta ese candado viejo del portón con el cortapernos.

• brick trowel BRIK TRAU-el ▶ EN
  cuchara de albañil koo-CHAH-rah deh al-bah-NYEEL ▶ ES

  Pointed triangular trowel masons use to butter block and brick with mortar.

  He can lay a whole pallet of block a day with that brick trowel. — Con esa cuchara de albañil se avienta una tarima entera de block al día.

  Also: paleta (general)

• broom BROOM ▶ EN
  escoba es-KOH-bah ▶ ES

  Tool for sweeping the site clean, also used to texture fresh concrete.

  Give the sidewalk a broom finish once it sets up a little. — Dale acabado de escoba a la banqueta cuando empiece a endurecer.

• bucket BUK-et ▶ EN
  cubeta koo-BEH-tah ▶ ES

  Five-gallon pail used to carry water, mix material, and haul tools.

  Mix a bucket of thinset for the shower walls. — Bate una cubeta de pegazulejo para las paredes de la regadera.

  Also: balde (general) · balde (PR)

• C-clamp SEE klamp ▶ EN
  prensa en C PREN-sah en SEH ▶ ES

  C-shaped clamp tightened with a threaded screw.

  Hold the steel plate down with a couple of C-clamps before you weld. — Sujeta la placa con un par de prensas en C antes de soldar.

• caulking gun KAH-king gun ▶ EN
  pistola de silicón pees-TOH-lah deh see-lee-KOHN ▶ ES

  Trigger tool that squeezes caulk or adhesive out of a tube.

  Load a fresh tube in the caulking gun and seal around the window. — Ponle un cartucho nuevo a la pistola de silicón y sella alrededor de la ventana.

  Also: pistola calafateadora (general)

• chalk line CHAHK lain ▶ EN
  tiralíneas tee-rah-LEE-neh-ahs ▶ ES

  Reel of string coated in chalk that snaps a straight line on a surface.

  Snap a chalk line so we can cut all the plywood at the same mark. — Truena el tiralíneas para cortar todo el triplay en la misma marca.

  Also: chocla (general) · tiralíneas (MX)

• channel-lock pliers CHAN-el lok PLAI-ers ▶ EN
  pinzas de extensión PEEN-sahs deh eks-ten-see-OHN ▶ ES

  Adjustable slip-joint pliers with angled jaws for gripping pipe and fittings.

  Hold the fitting with the channel-locks while I tighten the nut. — Detén la conexión con las pinzas de extensión mientras aprieto la tuerca.

  Also: perras (MX)

• chisel CHIH-zel ▶ EN
  cincel seen-SEL ▶ ES

  Steel cutting tool struck with a hammer to chip concrete, brick, or metal.

  Chip out that high spot in the slab with a chisel. — Pica esa parte alta de la losa con el cincel.

• chop saw CHOP sah ▶ EN
  tronzadora trohn-sah-DOH-rah ▶ ES

  Stationary abrasive saw for cutting steel stock like rebar, angle, and tubing.

  Cut all the rebar stirrups to length on the chop saw. — Corta todos los estribos de varilla a la medida en la tronzadora.

• circular saw SIR-kyoo-lar SAH ▶ EN
  sierra circular see-EH-rrah seer-koo-LAR ▶ ES

  Handheld power saw with a spinning round blade for cutting lumber and sheet goods.

  Rip that sheet of plywood down the chalk line with the circular saw. — Corta esa hoja de triplay sobre la línea de gis con la sierra circular.

• clamp KLAMP ▶ EN
  prensa PREN-sah ▶ ES

  Tool that squeezes and holds pieces together while you cut, glue, or fasten them.

  Put a clamp on those boards while the glue sets. — Ponle una prensa a esas tablas mientras agarra el pegamento.

• claw hammer KLAH HAM-er ▶ EN
  martillo de uña mar-TEE-yoh deh OO-nyah ▶ ES

  Hammer with a curved claw on the back for pulling nails.

  Use the claw hammer to pull those bent nails out of the plate. — Usa el martillo de uña para sacar esos clavos doblados de la solera.

• concrete mixer KON-kreet MIK-ser ▶ EN
  revolvedora reh-vol-veh-DOH-rah ▶ ES

  Machine with a rotating drum that mixes cement, sand, gravel, and water on site.

  Keep the concrete mixer turning while we place the sidewalk. — Mantén la revolvedora girando mientras colamos la banqueta.

  Also: mezcladora (general) · concretera (GT)

• concrete vibrator KON-kreet VAI-bray-tor ▶ EN
  vibrador vee-brah-DOR ▶ ES

  Tool with a vibrating head that shakes air pockets out of fresh concrete.

  Hit every pocket of the wall with the concrete vibrator so we don't get honeycombs. — Métele el vibrador a todo el muro para que no queden panales.

• cordless drill KORD-les DRIL ▶ EN
  taladro inalámbrico tah-LAH-droh een-ah-LAHM-bree-koh ▶ ES

  Battery-powered drill you can use anywhere without an extension cord.

  Take the cordless drill up on the roof, there's no power up there. — Súbete el taladro inalámbrico al techo, allá arriba no hay corriente.

• crowbar KROH-bar ▶ EN
  pata de cabra PAH-tah deh KAH-brah ▶ ES

  Heavy curved steel bar for demolition and prying apart framing.

  We ripped the old deck boards up with a crowbar. — Arrancamos las tablas viejas de la terraza con la pata de cabra.

  Also: barra de uña (general)

• cutoff wheel KUT-off weel ▶ EN
  disco de corte DEES-koh deh KOR-teh ▶ ES

  Thin abrasive disc for the grinder that slices through metal and masonry.

  Grab a cutoff wheel to trim those anchor bolts. — Agarra un disco de corte para rebajar esos pernos de anclaje.

• digging bar DIG-ing bar ▶ EN
  barra de punta BAH-rrah deh POON-tah ▶ ES

  Long heavy steel bar for breaking hard soil, prying rocks, and tamping posts.

  Loosen that caliche with the digging bar before you shovel it out. — Afloja ese caliche con la barra de punta antes de sacarlo con la pala.

• drill DRIL ▶ EN
  taladro tah-LAH-droh ▶ ES

  Power tool that spins bits to make holes or drive screws.

  Charge the drill batteries before we start hanging cabinets. — Carga las baterías del taladro antes de empezar a colgar los gabinetes.

• drill bit DRIL bit ▶ EN
  broca BROH-kah ▶ ES

  Cutting piece that goes in the drill to bore holes.

  You need a quarter-inch drill bit for those pilot holes. — Ocupas una broca de un cuarto para esos barrenos guía.

• drywall saw DRAI-wahl sah ▶ EN
  serrucho de punta seh-RROO-choh deh POON-tah ▶ ES

  Short pointed saw that stabs through drywall to cut box openings.

  Cut out the outlet openings with the drywall saw before you hang the sheet. — Corta las salidas de los contactos con el serrucho de punta antes de colgar la hoja.

• dumpster DUMP-ster ▶ EN
  contenedor kohn-teh-neh-DOR ▶ ES

  Large open steel container where jobsite trash and debris get thrown.

  All the demo debris goes straight into the dumpster. — Todo el escombro de la demolición va directo al contenedor.

• excavator EKS-kah-vay-tor ▶ EN
  excavadora eks-kah-vah-DOH-rah ▶ ES Safety-critical

  Tracked machine with a boom and bucket for digging trenches and foundations.

  The excavator will open the footing trench tomorrow morning. — La excavadora va a abrir la zanja del cimiento mañana temprano.

  Also: retroexcavadora (general)

• extension cord eks-TEN-shun kord ▶ EN
  extensión eks-ten-see-OHN ▶ ES

  Long flexible cord that brings power from an outlet to your tools.

  Run an extension cord from the temp power pole to the saw. — Tiende una extensión desde el poste de luz provisional hasta la sierra.

• extension ladder eks-TEN-shun LAD-er ▶ EN
  escalera de extensión es-kah-LEH-rah deh eks-ten-see-OHN ▶ ES Safety-critical

  Two-section ladder that slides out to reach high walls and roofs.

  Tie off the extension ladder at the top before you get on the roof. — Amarra la escalera de extensión por arriba antes de subirte al techo.

• file FAIL ▶ EN
  lima LEE-mah ▶ ES

  Hardened steel tool with fine teeth for smoothing metal edges.

  Knock the burr off that cut pipe with a file. — Quítale la rebaba a ese tubo cortado con la lima.

• finish nailer FIN-ish NAY-ler ▶ EN
  clavadora de acabado klah-vah-DOH-rah deh ah-kah-BAH-doh ▶ ES

  Small nail gun that shoots thin nails for trim and molding.

  Tack the casing on with the finish nailer. — Fija el marco con la clavadora de acabado.

• flashlight FLASH-lait ▶ EN
  linterna leen-TEHR-nah ▶ ES

  Handheld battery light for seeing into dark corners and cavities.

  Shine the flashlight up in the attic so I can see the junction box. — Alumbra con la linterna el tapanco para ver la caja de conexiones.

  Also: lámpara de mano (MX)

• flathead screwdriver FLAT-hed SKROO-drai-ver ▶ EN
  desarmador plano des-ar-mah-DOR PLAH-noh ▶ ES

  Screwdriver with a straight flat blade for slotted screws.

  Pop that paint can open with a flathead screwdriver. — Destapa ese bote de pintura con el desarmador plano.

• forklift FORK-lift ▶ EN
  montacargas mohn-tah-KAR-gahs ▶ ES Safety-critical

  Machine with two forks that lifts and moves pallets of material.

  Have the forklift set that pallet of block by the east wall. — Que el montacargas ponga esa tarima de block junto al muro este.

• framing square FRAY-ming skwair ▶ EN
  escuadra de carpintero es-KWAH-drah deh kar-peen-TEH-roh ▶ ES

  Large flat steel square used to lay out stairs, rafters, and big framing cuts.

  Lay out the stair stringers with the framing square. — Traza los zancos de la escalera con la escuadra de carpintero.

• generator JEN-eh-ray-tor ▶ EN
  planta de luz PLAHN-tah deh LOOS ▶ ES

  Gas-powered machine that makes electricity where there is no service.

  Fire up the generator, there's no power on site yet. — Prende la planta de luz, todavía no hay corriente en la obra.

  Also: generador (general)

• grinding disc GRAIN-ding disk ▶ EN
  disco de esmeril DEES-koh deh es-meh-REEL ▶ ES

  Abrasive wheel for the grinder that wears down metal, welds, and concrete.

  This grinding disc is worn out, put a new one on. — Este disco de esmeril ya está gastado, ponle uno nuevo.

• grout float GRAUT floht ▶ EN
  llana de goma YAH-nah deh GOH-mah ▶ ES

  Rubber-faced trowel used to press grout into tile joints.

  Work the grout in at an angle with the grout float. — Mete la lechada en diagonal con la llana de goma.

• hacksaw HAK-sah ▶ EN
  segueta seh-GEH-tah ▶ ES

  Fine-toothed frame saw for cutting metal and plastic pipe.

  Cut that piece of conduit to length with the hacksaw. — Corta ese pedazo de conduit a la medida con la segueta.

  Also: sierra para metal (general)

• hammer HAM-er ▶ EN
  martillo mar-TEE-yoh ▶ ES

  Hand tool with a weighted head used to drive nails and knock pieces into place.

  Grab your hammer, we still have to nail off this shear wall. — Agarra tu martillo, todavía falta clavar este muro de cortante.

• hammer drill HAM-er dril ▶ EN
  taladro percutor tah-LAH-droh per-koo-TOR ▶ ES

  Drill with a hammering mode for drilling small holes in masonry.

  A hammer drill is enough for those quarter-inch Tapcons. — Con el taladro percutor alcanza para esos tornillos de concreto de un cuarto.

• hand saw HAND sah ▶ EN
  serrucho seh-RROO-choh ▶ ES

  Manual saw with a toothed blade for cutting wood.

  The battery died, so finish that cut with the hand saw. — Se acabó la batería, así que termina ese corte con el serrucho.

• hand truck HAND truk ▶ EN
  diablito dee-ah-BLEE-toh ▶ ES

  Two-wheeled upright dolly for moving heavy boxes and material.

  Wheel those bags of cement in with the hand truck. — Mete esos sacos de cemento con el diablito.

  Also: carretilla de mano (general)

• heat gun HEET gun ▶ EN
  pistola de calor pees-TOH-lah deh kah-LOR ▶ ES

  Tool that blows very hot air to strip paint, soften material, or shrink tubing.

  Soften that old caulking with the heat gun before you scrape it. — Ablanda ese silicón viejo con la pistola de calor antes de rasparlo.

• hole saw HOHL sah ▶ EN
  sierra copa see-EH-rrah KOH-pah ▶ ES

  Cup-shaped bit that cuts large round holes for pipes and locks.

  Use a two-and-an-eighth hole saw for the door knob. — Usa la sierra copa de dos y un octavo para la chapa de la puerta.

• hose HOHS ▶ EN
  manguera mahn-GEH-rah ▶ ES

  Flexible tube for bringing water where you need it on the job.

  Hook up the hose so we can wet down the base. — Conecta la manguera para mojar la base.

• impact driver IM-pakt DRAI-ver ▶ EN
  atornillador de impacto ah-tor-nee-yah-DOR deh eem-PAHK-toh ▶ ES

  Compact power tool that drives screws with rapid rotating blows.

  Run those deck screws in with the impact driver. — Mete esos tornillos de la terraza con el atornillador de impacto.

• jackhammer JAK-ham-er ▶ EN
  martillo demoledor mar-TEE-yoh deh-moh-leh-DOR ▶ ES

  Heavy breaker that pounds up and down to bust concrete and asphalt.

  We need the jackhammer to break out this old sidewalk. — Ocupamos el martillo demoledor para quebrar esta banqueta vieja.

  Also: martillo neumático (general)

• jigsaw JIG-sah ▶ EN
  caladora kah-lah-DOH-rah ▶ ES

  Handheld saw with a thin blade for cutting curves and openings.

  Cut the sink opening in the countertop with the jigsaw. — Corta el hueco del fregadero en la cubierta con la caladora.

• jumping jack JUM-ping jak ▶ EN
  bailarina bai-lah-REE-nah ▶ ES

  Rammer machine that hops up and down to compact soil in trenches.

  Compact the trench backfill with the jumping jack every foot. — Compacta el relleno de la zanja con la bailarina a cada pie.

• ladder LAD-er ▶ EN
  escalera es-kah-LEH-rah ▶ ES Safety-critical

  Climbing equipment with rungs for reaching work above the ground.

  Set the ladder on solid ground and keep three points of contact. — Pon la escalera en piso firme y mantén tres puntos de apoyo.

• laser level LAY-zer LEH-vul ▶ EN
  nivel láser nee-VEL LAH-ser ▶ ES

  Tool that projects a perfectly level or plumb laser line across the room or site.

  Shoot a line around the room with the laser level for the cabinet height. — Marca una línea alrededor del cuarto con el nivel láser para la altura de los gabinetes.

• level LEH-vul ▶ EN
  nivel nee-VEL ▶ ES

  Tool with bubble vials that shows whether a surface is level or plumb.

  Put the level on that header before you nail it off. — Ponle el nivel a ese cabezal antes de clavarlo.

• locking pliers LOK-ing PLAI-ers ▶ EN
  pinzas de presión PEEN-sahs deh preh-see-OHN ▶ ES

  Pliers that clamp shut and lock onto the work like a vise.

  Lock the vise grips on that stripped bolt and back it out. — Traba las pinzas de presión en ese perno barrido y sácalo.

• mallet MAL-et ▶ EN
  mazo de goma MAH-soh deh GOH-mah ▶ ES

  Soft-headed hammer used to tap pieces into place without marking them.

  Set the pavers with the rubber mallet so you don't crack them. — Asienta los adoquines con el mazo de goma para que no se estrellen.

• masonry bit MAY-son-ree bit ▶ EN
  broca para concreto BROH-kah PAH-rah kon-KREH-toh ▶ ES

  Carbide-tipped bit for drilling into concrete, block, and brick.

  Put a masonry bit in the rotary hammer for the anchor holes. — Ponle una broca para concreto al rotomartillo para los barrenos de los taquetes.

• miter saw MAI-ter sah ▶ EN
  sierra ingletadora see-EH-rrah een-gleh-tah-DOH-rah ▶ ES

  Stationary saw that swings down to make precise crosscuts and angle cuts.

  Cut all the base molding at forty-five degrees on the miter saw. — Corta todo el zoclo a cuarenta y cinco grados en la sierra ingletadora.

• nail gun NAIL gun ▶ EN
  pistola de clavos pees-TOH-lah deh KLAH-vohs ▶ ES

  Air or battery-powered tool that shoots nails into wood with one trigger pull.

  Keep your hand away from the nail gun when you're toe-nailing. — Aleja la mano de la pistola de clavos cuando claves en diagonal.

• nail puller NAIL POOL-er ▶ EN
  uña de gato OO-nyah deh GAH-toh ▶ ES

  Small curved bar you drive under a nail head to pull buried nails.

  Dig those buried nails out with the nail puller. — Saca esos clavos enterrados con la uña de gato.

• needle-nose pliers NEE-dul nohs PLAI-ers ▶ EN
  pinzas de punta PEEN-sahs deh POON-tah ▶ ES

  Pliers with long thin jaws for reaching and bending wire in tight spots.

  Grab the needle-nose pliers to fish that wire out of the box. — Agarra las pinzas de punta para sacar ese cable de la caja.

• notched trowel NOCHT TRAU-el ▶ EN
  llana dentada YAH-nah den-TAH-dah ▶ ES

  Trowel with notched edges that combs adhesive into even ridges for setting tile.

  Use a half-inch notched trowel for that big floor tile. — Usa la llana dentada de media pulgada para ese piso grande.

• orbital sander OR-bih-tal SAN-der ▶ EN
  lijadora orbital lee-hah-DOH-rah or-bee-TAHL ▶ ES

  Sander that moves the pad in small circles for a fine, swirl-free finish.

  Finish the door with the orbital sander and 220 grit. — Termina la puerta con la lijadora orbital y lija del 220.

• oscillating multi-tool OS-ih-lay-ting MUL-tee-tool ▶ EN
  multiherramienta mool-tee-eh-rrah-mee-EN-tah ▶ ES

  Tool with a fast-vibrating head for flush cuts, scraping, and sanding in tight spots.

  Undercut the door jamb with the oscillating multi-tool so the tile slides under. — Recorta la base del marco con la multiherramienta para que el azulejo entre por debajo.

• paint brush PAYNT brush ▶ EN
  brocha BROH-chah ▶ ES

  Bristle brush for cutting in edges and painting trim.

  Cut in the ceiling line with a paint brush before you roll the wall. — Recorta la línea del techo con la brocha antes de rodillar la pared.

• paint roller PAYNT ROH-ler ▶ EN
  rodillo roh-DEE-yoh ▶ ES

  Roller on a handle that spreads paint fast over walls and ceilings.

  Give the wall two coats with the paint roller. — Dale dos manos a la pared con el rodillo.

  Also: rolo (PR)

• Phillips screwdriver FIL-ips SKROO-drai-ver ▶ EN
  desarmador de cruz des-ar-mah-DOR deh KROOS ▶ ES

  Screwdriver with a cross-shaped tip for Phillips-head screws.

  These outlet screws need a number two Phillips screwdriver. — Estos tornillos del contacto llevan desarmador de cruz del dos.

• pick PIK ▶ EN
  pico PEE-koh ▶ ES

  Heavy pointed tool swung to break up hard ground and rock.

  The ground is like rock; you'll need the pick to open this trench. — La tierra está como piedra; vas a ocupar el pico para abrir esta zanja.

  Also: talacho (MX)

• pipe wrench PAIP rench ▶ EN
  llave stilson YAH-veh STEEL-sohn ▶ ES

  Heavy toothed wrench that bites onto round pipe to turn it.

  You'll need two pipe wrenches to break that old fitting loose. — Vas a ocupar dos llaves stilson para aflojar esa conexión vieja.

  Also: llave de tubo (general)

• planer PLAY-ner ▶ EN
  cepillo eléctrico seh-PEE-yoh eh-LEK-tree-koh ▶ ES

  Power tool with rotating blades that shaves wood down to thickness.

  The door is rubbing; take a pass off with the planer. — La puerta está rozando; dale una pasada con el cepillo eléctrico.

• plate compactor PLAYT kom-PAK-tor ▶ EN
  placa compactadora PLAH-kah kohm-pahk-tah-DOH-rah ▶ ES

  Vibrating machine that compacts soil and gravel base before pouring.

  Run the plate compactor over the base twice before we form up. — Pásale la placa compactadora a la base dos veces antes de cimbrar.

• pliers PLAI-ers ▶ EN
  pinzas PEEN-sahs ▶ ES

  Hand tool with two jaws for gripping, bending, and cutting wire.

  Twist the tie wire tight with your pliers. — Aprieta el alambre recocido con las pinzas.

  Also: alicates (general) · playa (PR)

• plumb bob PLUM bob ▶ EN
  plomada ploh-MAH-dah ▶ ES

  Pointed weight on a string that shows a perfectly vertical line.

  Drop a plumb bob from the beam to mark the post location. — Cuelga la plomada desde la viga para marcar dónde va el poste.

• post hole digger POHST hohl DIG-er ▶ EN
  cavadora de hoyos kah-vah-DOH-rah deh OH-yohs ▶ ES

  Scissor-like double shovel that digs narrow deep holes for posts.

  Dig the fence post holes two feet deep with the post hole digger. — Excava los hoyos de los postes de la cerca a dos pies con la cavadora de hoyos.

• pressure washer PRESH-ur WAH-sher ▶ EN
  hidrolavadora ee-droh-lah-vah-DOH-rah ▶ ES

  Machine that shoots high-pressure water to clean concrete, siding, and equipment.

  Pressure-wash the driveway before we seal it. — Lava la entrada con la hidrolavadora antes de sellarla.

• pry bar PRAI bar ▶ EN
  barreta bah-RREH-tah ▶ ES

  Flat steel bar used to pry boards loose and pull nails.

  Use the pry bar to pull that baseboard off without breaking it. — Usa la barreta para despegar ese zoclo sin quebrarlo.

  Also: pata de chivo (general)

• putty knife PUH-tee naif ▶ EN
  espátula es-PAH-too-lah ▶ ES

  Flat flexible blade for spreading filler and scraping surfaces.

  Fill those nail holes with a putty knife before you sand. — Resana esos hoyos de clavo con la espátula antes de lijar.

• rake RAYK ▶ EN
  rastrillo rahs-TREE-yoh ▶ ES

  Toothed tool for spreading gravel, grading dirt, and cleaning up debris.

  Spread the base rock out with the rake before compacting. — Extiende la grava de base con el rastrillo antes de compactar.

• rasp RASP ▶ EN
  escofina es-koh-FEE-nah ▶ ES

  Coarse file used to shape wood or drywall edges fast.

  Shave the edge of the door down with a rasp so it closes. — Rebájale la orilla a la puerta con la escofina para que cierre.

• reciprocating saw ree-SIP-roh-kay-ting SAH ▶ EN
  sierra sable see-EH-rrah SAH-bleh ▶ ES

  Power saw with a blade that pumps back and forth, used mostly for demolition.

  Cut out that old wall plate with the reciprocating saw. — Corta esa solera vieja con la sierra sable.

• rotary hammer ROH-tah-ree HAM-er ▶ EN
  rotomartillo roh-toh-mar-TEE-yoh ▶ ES

  Heavy-duty drill that hammers while it spins to bore into concrete.

  Drill the half-inch anchor holes in the slab with the rotary hammer. — Barrena los agujeros de media pulgada para las anclas en la losa con el rotomartillo.

• router RAU-ter ▶ EN
  rebajadora reh-bah-hah-DOH-rah ▶ ES

  Power tool with a spinning bit that shapes edges and cuts grooves in wood.

  Round over the countertop edge with the router. — Redondea el canto de la cubierta con la rebajadora.

• sander SAN-der ▶ EN
  lijadora lee-hah-DOH-rah ▶ ES

  Power tool that smooths surfaces with sandpaper.

  Hit that patch with the sander before priming. — Dale a ese resane con la lijadora antes de sellar.

• sanding block SAN-ding blok ▶ EN
  taco de lija TAH-koh deh LEE-hah ▶ ES

  Hand block that holds sandpaper flat for even sanding.

  Knock down those joint edges with a sanding block. — Rebaja las orillas de las juntas con el taco de lija.

• saw SAW ▶ EN
  sierra SYEH-rrah ▶ ES

  Any powered or hand tool with a toothed blade for cutting wood, metal, or masonry.

  Grab the saw and cut these headers to length. — Agarra la sierra y corta estos cabezales a la medida.

  Also: serrucho (de mano) (general)

• saw blade SAH blayd ▶ EN
  disco de sierra DEES-koh deh see-EH-rrah ▶ ES

  Round toothed blade that goes on a circular, miter, or table saw.

  This saw blade is burning the wood, it needs to be changed. — Este disco de sierra ya quema la madera, hay que cambiarlo.

• sawhorse SAH-hors ▶ EN
  burro BOO-rroh ▶ ES

  Four-legged stand that holds lumber up at working height for cutting.

  Set up two sawhorses and throw a sheet of plywood on top for a table. — Arma dos burros y ponles una hoja de triplay encima como mesa.

  Also: caballete (general)

• scaffold SKAF-old ▶ EN
  andamio ahn-DAH-mee-oh ▶ ES Safety-critical

  Temporary raised platform for working at height.

  Don't get on the scaffold until the planks and rails are set. — No te subas al andamio hasta que estén puestos los tablones y los barandales.

• screed SKREED ▶ EN
  regla REH-glah ▶ ES

  Straight board or bar dragged across fresh concrete to level it with the forms.

  Pull the screed toward you in a sawing motion to strike off the slab. — Jala la regla hacia ti serruchando para emparejar la losa.

• screw gun SKROO gun ▶ EN
  atornillador para tablaroca ah-tor-nee-yah-DOR PAH-rah tah-blah-ROH-kah ▶ ES

  Drill made for drywall that sets screws to a consistent depth without breaking the paper.

  Screw the ceiling board off with the screw gun on the right depth setting. — Atornilla la hoja del techo con el atornillador para tablaroca ajustado a la profundidad correcta.

• screwdriver SKROO-drai-ver ▶ EN
  desarmador des-ar-mah-DOR ▶ ES

  Hand tool with a shaped tip for driving and removing screws.

  Tighten the cover plate with a screwdriver, not the drill. — Aprieta la tapa con el desarmador, no con el taladro.

  Also: destornillador (general) · desarmador (GT)

• shop vacuum SHOP VAK-yoom ▶ EN
  aspiradora industrial ahs-pee-rah-DOH-rah een-doos-tree-AHL ▶ ES

  Heavy-duty vacuum that picks up dust, debris, and water on the job.

  Run the shop vacuum over the floor before the painters get here. — Pásale la aspiradora industrial al piso antes de que lleguen los pintores.

• shovel SHUH-vel ▶ EN
  pala PAH-lah ▶ ES

  Long-handled tool with a scoop blade for digging and moving material.

  Grab a shovel and help me backfill this trench. — Agarra una pala y ayúdame a rellenar esta zanja.

• skid steer SKID steer ▶ EN
  minicargador mee-nee-kar-gah-DOR ▶ ES Safety-critical

  Small compact loader that turns in place, used for grading and moving material.

  Bring the skid steer around to backfill along the foundation. — Trae el minicargador para rellenar a lo largo de la cimentación.

• sledgehammer SLEJ-ham-er ▶ EN
  marro MAH-rroh ▶ ES

  Heavy long-handled hammer for demolition and driving stakes.

  Bring the sledgehammer, we're taking down this block wall today. — Trae el marro, hoy vamos a tumbar este muro de block.

  Also: almádana (general) · almágana (GT)

• socket SOK-et ▶ EN
  dado DAH-doh ▶ ES

  Cylindrical attachment that fits over a nut and snaps onto a ratchet or impact.

  I need a nine-sixteenths socket for these anchor nuts. — Ocupo un dado de nueve dieciseisavos para estas tuercas de ancla.

  Also: copa (general)

• socket wrench SOK-et rench ▶ EN
  matraca mah-TRAH-kah ▶ ES

  Ratcheting handle that turns interchangeable sockets without lifting off the nut.

  Run those lag bolts down with the socket wrench. — Aprieta esas pijas con la matraca.

  Also: llave de trinquete (general)

• spade bit SPAYD bit ▶ EN
  broca de paleta BROH-kah deh pah-LEH-tah ▶ ES

  Flat paddle-shaped bit for boring fast rough holes in wood.

  Drill through the studs with a spade bit to run the wire. — Barrena los postes con la broca de paleta para pasar el cable.

• speed square SPEED skwair ▶ EN
  escuadra rápida es-KWAH-drah RAH-pee-dah ▶ ES

  Triangular pocket square used to mark cuts and guide the circular saw.

  Hold the speed square against the two-by-four and run the saw along it. — Detén la escuadra rápida contra el barrote y corre la sierra pegada a ella.

• square SKWAIR ▶ EN
  escuadra es-KWAH-drah ▶ ES

  L-shaped tool used to mark and check ninety-degree angles.

  Check that corner with the square before you screw it down. — Revisa esa esquina con la escuadra antes de atornillarla.

• staple gun STAY-pul gun ▶ EN
  engrapadora en-grah-pah-DOH-rah ▶ ES

  Spring or air-powered tool that shoots staples into wood or fabric.

  Tack the vapor barrier up with the staple gun. — Fija la barrera de vapor con la engrapadora.

• step ladder STEP LAD-er ▶ EN
  escalera de tijera es-kah-LEH-rah deh tee-HEH-rah ▶ ES Safety-critical

  Self-standing A-frame ladder that opens up without leaning on anything.

  A six-foot step ladder is enough for these ceilings. — Con una escalera de tijera de seis pies alcanza para estos techos.

• string line STRING lain ▶ EN
  hilo EE-loh ▶ ES

  Tight string stretched between points to keep work straight and on line.

  Run a string line so the block courses stay straight. — Tiende un hilo para que las hiladas de block salgan derechas.

  Also: cordel (general)

• stud finder STUD FAIN-der ▶ EN
  detector de postes deh-tek-TOR deh POHS-tehs ▶ ES

  Handheld sensor that finds the framing behind a finished wall.

  Use the stud finder before you hang that heavy cabinet. — Usa el detector de postes antes de colgar ese gabinete pesado.

• table saw TAY-bul sah ▶ EN
  sierra de banco see-EH-rrah deh BAHN-koh ▶ ES

  Saw with the blade coming up through a table, used for straight rip cuts.

  Rip these boards down to three inches on the table saw. — Rebaja estas tablas a tres pulgadas en la sierra de banco.

  Also: sierra de mesa (general)

• tamper TAM-per ▶ EN
  pisón pee-SOHN ▶ ES

  Flat heavy plate on a handle for compacting soil and base by hand.

  Tamp the backfill in lifts so the sidewalk doesn't settle. — Apisona el relleno por capas para que la banqueta no se hunda.

• tape measure TAYP MEH-zher ▶ EN
  flexómetro flek-SOH-meh-troh ▶ ES

  Retractable metal tape used to measure lengths on the job.

  My tape measure says this opening is forty-two and a half inches. — Mi flexómetro marca cuarenta y dos pulgadas y media en este claro.

  Also: cinta métrica (general) · flexómetro (MX)

• taping knife TAY-ping naif ▶ EN
  espátula ancha es-PAH-too-lah AHN-chah ▶ ES

  Wide flat blade for spreading joint compound over drywall seams.

  Skim the second coat with the twelve-inch taping knife. — Dale la segunda mano con la espátula ancha de doce pulgadas.

• tarp TARP ▶ EN
  lona LOH-nah ▶ ES

  Heavy waterproof sheet for covering material and protecting work from weather.

  Throw a tarp over the lumber before it rains. — Échale una lona a la madera antes de que llueva.

• tile cutter TAIL KUT-er ▶ EN
  cortadora de azulejo kor-tah-DOH-rah deh ah-soo-LEH-hoh ▶ ES

  Manual tool that scores and snaps ceramic tile to size.

  Straight cuts go on the tile cutter; save the wet saw for the L-cuts. — Los cortes derechos van en la cortadora de azulejo; deja la sierra de agua para los cortes en L.

• tin snips TIN snips ▶ EN
  tijeras de hojalatero tee-HEH-rahs deh oh-hah-lah-TEH-roh ▶ ES

  Heavy scissors for cutting sheet metal, flashing, and metal studs.

  Trim the flashing around the vent with the tin snips. — Recorta el botaguas alrededor del respiradero con las tijeras de hojalatero.

  Also: tijeras para lámina (general)

• tool belt TOOL belt ▶ EN
  cinturón de herramientas seen-too-ROHN deh eh-rrah-mee-EN-tahs ▶ ES

  Belt with pouches that keeps your hand tools and fasteners on you.

  Load your tool belt, we're hanging doors all day. — Carga tu cinturón de herramientas, hoy vamos a colgar puertas todo el día.

• tool box TOOL boks ▶ EN
  caja de herramientas KAH-hah deh eh-rrah-mee-EN-tahs ▶ ES

  Box or chest where you store and carry your tools.

  Lock your tool box in the trailer before you leave. — Deja tu caja de herramientas con llave en el tráiler antes de irte.

• torch TORCH ▶ EN
  soplete soh-PLEH-teh ▶ ES

  Gas flame tool for soldering copper pipe or heating and cutting metal.

  Sweat that copper joint with the torch. — Suelda esa unión de cobre con el soplete.

• torpedo level tor-PEE-doh LEH-vul ▶ EN
  nivel torpedo nee-VEL tor-PEH-doh ▶ ES

  Short pocket-size level, handy for pipes, conduit, and tight spots.

  Check that drain line with the torpedo level to make sure it has fall. — Revisa esa línea de drenaje con el nivel torpedo para asegurar que tenga caída.

• torque wrench TORK rench ▶ EN
  llave de torque YAH-veh deh TOR-keh ▶ ES

  Wrench that measures how tight you turn a bolt so you hit the spec.

  The engineer wants every anchor torqued to spec with a torque wrench. — El ingeniero quiere cada ancla apretada a especificación con la llave de torque.

  Also: torquímetro (general)

• transit TRAN-sit ▶ EN
  tránsito TRAHN-see-toh ▶ ES

  Survey instrument on a tripod used to shoot grades and set elevations.

  Set up the transit and shoot the corners of the pad. — Monta el tránsito y checa las esquinas de la plataforma.

  Also: nivel topográfico (general)

• trowel TRAU-el ▶ EN
  llana YAH-nah ▶ ES

  Flat hand tool used to spread and smooth mortar, concrete, or plaster.

  Smooth out the top of the footing with your trowel. — Alisa la parte de arriba del cimiento con la llana.

  Also: plana (general)

• utility knife yoo-TIL-ih-tee NAIF ▶ EN
  navaja nah-VAH-hah ▶ ES

  Knife with a replaceable razor blade used to cut drywall, insulation, and packaging.

  Score the drywall with your utility knife and snap it over your knee. — Ráyale a la tablaroca con la navaja y quiébrala con la rodilla.

  Also: cúter (general) · navaja (MX)

• welder WEL-der ▶ EN
  soldadora sol-dah-DOH-rah ▶ ES

  Machine that joins metal by melting it together with an electric arc.

  Bring the welder over to tack these stair rails. — Trae la soldadora para puntear estos barandales de la escalera.

• wet saw WET sah ▶ EN
  sierra de agua see-EH-rrah deh AH-gwah ▶ ES

  Tile saw with a diamond blade cooled by water for clean cuts without dust.

  Make the notched cuts around the tub on the wet saw. — Haz los cortes alrededor de la tina en la sierra de agua.

• wheelbarrow WEEL-ba-roh ▶ EN
  carretilla kah-rreh-TEE-yah ▶ ES

  One-wheeled cart for moving concrete, dirt, and debris by hand.

  Bring another wheelbarrow of mud for the footing. — Trae otra carretilla de mezcla para el cimiento.

  Also: carrucha (general) · carreta de mano (GT)

• wire brush WAIR brush ▶ EN
  cepillo de alambre seh-PEE-yoh deh ah-LAHM-breh ▶ ES

  Brush with steel bristles for cleaning rust, slag, and old mortar.

  Hit the weld with a wire brush before you paint it. — Dale a la soldadura con el cepillo de alambre antes de pintarla.

• wire strippers WAIR STRIP-ers ▶ EN
  pelacables peh-lah-KAH-bles ▶ ES

  Pliers-like tool that cuts insulation off electrical wire without nicking the copper.

  Strip about three-quarters of an inch with the wire strippers. — Pela como tres cuartos de pulgada con el pelacables.

• wood chisel WOOD CHIH-zel ▶ EN
  formón for-MOHN ▶ ES

  Sharp beveled chisel for cutting and shaping wood, like hinge mortises.

  Mortise the hinges into the door jamb with a wood chisel. — Cájale a las bisagras en el marco de la puerta con el formón.

• wood float WOOD floht ▶ EN
  llana de madera YAH-nah deh mah-DEH-rah ▶ ES

  Wooden trowel that leaves a slightly rough, even finish on fresh concrete or stucco.

  Float the slab with the wood float before you steel-trowel it. — Flotea la losa con la llana de madera antes de darle con la metálica.

• work light WERK lait ▶ EN
  lámpara de trabajo LAHM-pah-rah deh trah-BAH-hoh ▶ ES

  Portable bright light for working in dark areas of the job.

  Set up the work light in the crawl space before you go under. — Acomoda la lámpara de trabajo en el sótano bajo antes de meterte.

• wrench RENCH ▶ EN
  llave YAH-veh ▶ ES

  Hand tool that grips and turns nuts and bolts.

  Hand me a wrench for these anchor bolts. — Pásame una llave para estos pernos de anclaje.

  Also: llave de tuercas (general)

Open this glossary in the app — search, favorites, and every term offline.